Happy Holidays!

(and maybe win a free membership...)

The holidays are right around the corner. At this time of year, with the decorations, music and the hustle and bustle of completing holiday preparations, it makes me think about the upcoming joy of togetherness with family and celebrating holiday traditions. Up in the offices at COSI, we were talking about our different traditions and ways of celebrating the holidays.

Being from out of state, my favorite holiday memories always involved traveling to be with my extended family. Though it took a 22-hour drive to get from Wisconsin to Connecticut (often in snowy conditions and with small children) the holidays never felt complete until we were all together. One unique tradition that has been passed down in my family for generations is a Polish tradition from my grandmother’s family. Right before we sat down for dinner on Christmas Eve, each family member would receive a piece of oplatek (a very thin wafer). With the oplatek in hand, we would go up to each family member, break off a small piece of the wafer and exchange a wish for the year upcoming. This tradition always served as a great reminder of the importance of togetherness and the blessing of family.

In my job here at COSI, I am fortunate to get to see a lot of families regularly using their memberships. It’s really great to see so many enjoying their time together learning and celebrating family all year long.

In the spirit of the season, COSI is offering the chance to win a one-year Family membership! You can give the membership as a gift, or keep it for yourself (we won’t tell!). Just leave a comment below (make sure you login to comment using an email address instead of a social network so we can let you know if you've won) telling us your favorite holiday traditions with your family. We’ll draw one random winner on Tuesday, December 18. The winner will be contacted via email.